From California to Fiji, communities around the globe are turning to small hydropower projects to meet energy demands. On March 15, 2012, MWH joined the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd. (JPS) to celebrate launch of another such hydropower development that although classified as small hydro, will be the largest project of its kind undertaken in the country.
The 6.3 MW New Maggoty Hydroelectric Power Plant in St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica will add much-needed renewable power to the country’s national energy grid. The additional energy generation from this plant will mean that renewable energy will contribute four percent to Jamaica’s energy output. The country aims for a 20 percent contribution from renewable energy by 2030.
MWH designed the $33 million (USD) project that is the ninth hydroelectric power station in Jamaica. During construction, the project will employ approximately 100 people from the local community.
“Every day we see how important small hydro developments are to countries around the world,” says Mark Allen, MWH project manager. “We are pleased to bring our specialized hydropower expertise to this project, helping bring sustainable, renewable energy to the citizens of Jamaica.”
From left to right: Valentine Fagan, vice president of new generation for JPS; Hon. Philip Pualwell, minister of mining, energy and telecommunication; Sang Kie Cho, director of JPS; J.C.Hutchinson, member of Parliament for North West St. Elizabeth; Hisatsugu Hirai, chairman of JPS
